Low pressure in a shower can be caused by several issues such as a clogged showerhead, a worn-out mixing valve, closed valve, leaking pipe, or even a faulty water heater. Don't get overwhelmed though, because we're here to help you narrow down and identify the cause of your shower woes.
There are many reasons why showers lose water pressure. It can range from old corroded pipe work to gravity fed systems or your balancing pressure valve.
If there's an accumulation of sediments in your hot water tank, it can lower your water pressure. The presence of kinks in the flexible water pipes used in water heaters can result in low water pressure. If the shut-off valve isn't fully open, water pressure can drop.
The city could be flushing hydrants.
In any of these cases, the pressure loss will be temporary. But when the water does come back online, it will definitely kick up sediment, which can clog supply valves and faucet aerators. Be prepared to flush them if the pressure seems low when the water comes back on.
Lower pressure could be more severe than you imagine, potentially involving serious problems like leaking or cracked water pipes and may require professional intervention before snowballing into a home plumbing disaster.
Depending on your current flow rate, you may be able to increase the flow simply by removing the filter or restricting device or replacing the showerhead with a higher-flow model, such as increasing to a standard 2.5 GPM head. Before you change the showerhead, make sure that the new model is legal in your area.
Many modern shower heads are designed specifically to increase the pressure of the water coming out of the showerhead itself. So, while they can't increase the actual water pressure of the home, they do improve the showering experience.
One of the most common causes of low pressure to a kitchen or bathroom sink faucet is debris or mineral buildup in the aerator. The aerator is the tiny screen that you see at the end of your faucet.
Check Your Aerator
If you have especially hard water, aerators become clogged with hard water buildup, a common cause of low water pressure in kitchen fixtures. Clean your aerator for a quick and easy DIY fix. Remove the aerator from the faucet using pliers and a towel (to prevent scratching).
For water conservation purposes, most plumbing codes require faucets and showering devices to not exceed a certain maximum flow rate. Removing the flow restrictors could cause these devices to no longer meet these codes.
What does a flow restrictor look like? Before you remove the flow restrictor from your shower head, you need to know what it looks like. A water flow restrictor is usually a flat, circular, plastic piece. The center of the restrictor is shaped like a star, or similarly shaped, and comes in a variety of colors.
Restrictive valves on the showerhead: A low-flow showerhead may have been fitted to your shower, or your showerhead may have a valve that restricts the flow of water. These restrictors are put in place to help save water. However, sometimes they may limit it too much.
Controlling the Flow: Shower valves play prime role in saving water.
Shower and bathtub shutoff valves are usually hidden behind an access panel. That panel can be in the bathroom, the room behind the bathroom or the ceiling of the room below. If you don't have an access panel, it could be hidden behind the wall.
Low pressure shower heads are specifically designed so that the amount of water that passes through it is less. Some people use a shower head with an excessively high pressure – giving the user a massage-type experience.
To replace a shower valve, you really need to be an experienced home improvement DIYer. To replace a shower valve is a far more complicated task than changing a showerhead. A good knowledge of plumbing is absolutely necessary to do this job successfully.
This happens because water is getting drained out of the leak instead of traveling all the way to your fixtures. If you notice a sudden, drastic decrease in water pressure from just one or two fixtures, check for leaks. Walk around the house, and listen for bubbles, hisses, or drips in the walls.
Clogged Pipes Can Impact Water Pressure
The issue could run deeper, resulting in more serious plumbing headaches. Clogged pipes are one of the most frequent causes of low water pressure.
High or low water pressure can damage your pipes, fixtures, or appliances, which costs you more money in the long run.
Do All New Shower Heads Have Flow Restrictors? Not all new shower heads come with flow restrictors. While many brands focus on water and energy efficiency, it's not a universal feature. So, before you make a purchase, it's a good idea to check the specifications and ensure they fit your needs.
Most low-flow showerheads have a rubber pressure-reducing valve (called a regulator) to maintain a lower pressure. You can increase the flow by simply taking it out. You could also consider enlarging the hole that allows water into your showerhead with a drill to increase the amount of water coming through.
Please keep in mind that all new faucets since 1994 are restricted to conserve water per EPA code mandates. Older faucets had no restrictions. Beyond intentional flow restriction, new installations can sometimes have reduced flow if the lines are not flushed prior to installation of aerators or shower heads.